Not only did the Brazilian celebrate his first points in the FIA European Rally Championship following his ninth place, it was also the first opportunity he had to savour a 3-1 win for his beloved Palmeiras football team against rivals São Paulo.

“I’m really, really happy,” Nobre said at the finish in Lamia. “Palmeiras scored three points and we scored our first points in the European championship. It couldn’t be better.”

Nobre took a break from rallying to take on the Palmeiras club presidency, reviving its fortunes before returning to international competition in the FIA European Rally Championship with Motorsport Italia this season.

“My heart is green and white, I’m Palmeiras even after I die I will be Palmeiras,” he added.